Apply for the next Sisu Launchpad (May-June 2027)

Considering Finland as a place to grow your business? Get to know the startup ecosystem, meet relevant local contacts and explore your options before deciding on your next move.

Join Sisu Launchpad and explore Finland as your startup’s next home

Sisu Launchpad is an exlusive program for international startup teams considering Finland as a place to grow. Take part in online sessions and an in-person program in Helsinki to meet local founders and ecosystem organizations, explore relevant industry connections, and get a clearer picture of what building your business here could involve.

Why Apply?

Sisu Launchpad helps you explore Finland before making a decision about your company’s next step. You’ll gain practical insight into the startup ecosystem, meet people relevant to your plans and leave with useful contacts and clearer next steps.

The program includes two parts:

1. Online Sessions: Arrive with a plan

Before the onsite week, join two expert-led masterclasses to understand the local startup landscape and make your time in Helsinki more useful.

• Explore Finland’s startup ecosystem: Learn how the ecosystem works, who supports startups and where relevant opportunities may be found.
• Prepare for your next step: Explore how international startups can build connections and grow in Finland, and identify the questions and contacts most relevant to your company.

You’ll arrive in Helsinki with a stronger understanding of the ecosystem and a clearer idea of what you want to explore.

2. Onsite week in Helsinki: Meet the ecosystem in person (June 7-11, 2027)

Spend a focused week getting to know the startup communities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa. Instead of just hearing about the ecosystem, you’ll visit organizations, meet industry players and explore connections relevant to your plans.

The week may include:

• Visits to startup hubs and support organizations, such as Maria 01, Aalto Startup Center and Business Vantaa.
• Founder and expert sessions to hear how companies build and grow in Finland.
• Curated meetings and introductions with relevant ecosystem organizations, investors and potential partners.
• Practical workshops and pitch coaching to sharpen how you present your startup to Finnish contacts.
• Peer networking and informal events to build connections with other international founders.

‍By the end of the program, you’ll have first-hand experience of the ecosystem, useful contacts to follow up with and a clearer view of whether Finland fits your startup’s plans.

We’re looking for 20 international startup teams (from outside the EU) that are seriously considering Finland as a possible place to build or grow their business.

A good fit for the program is a team with:

• Minimum 2 founders with a proven innovative and scalable business idea.
• Considering Finland as the next business location.
• Wants to understand the local startup ecosystem and meet relevant people.
• Can participate in both the online sessions and the onsite program in Helsinki.

Focus Sectors: to be announced

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to grow your startup. Apply now and experience the best of Finland's startup community.

Participation and costs

Participation in Sisu Launchpad is free of charge. Selected teams are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel to Finland, accommodation and personal expenses. Participants are expected to take part in both the online masterclasses and the onsite program in Helsinki.

Application form will open soon. Selection will be done in March 2027.